Subcutaneous tissue oximetry: implications for wound healing and monitoring critically ill patients.

Availability of oxygen and adequate blood flow to wounded tissues are important factors for the prevention of impaired wound healing. Oxygen is essential for the growth of new blood vessels, formation of collagen, and the prevention of infection. Subcutaneous tissue oximetry, an experimental technology for evaluating tissue oxygen and perfusion, is being researched for use in the evaluation of hypovolemia, hemorrhagic shock, sepsis, and would healing. This technology eventually may assist in the management of critically ill patients by promptly alerting physicians to decreased oxygen delivery and allowing for more timely intervention.